Based in Bennington County and founded in 2013, Southshire Roller Derby brings flat track roller derby to the area with years of coaching and leadership experience. Our mission is to train individuals and teams in the skills required for roller derby competition in order to improve personal well-being and athleticism and to engage in local, regional, national, and international competition of roller sports.

Southshire currently consists of two teams: the Battle Cats, our adult team; and the Battle Brats, our junior team. Both teams play against and scrimmage with other roller derby teams in the greater New England/New York area. We also provide space for beginner and experienced skaters alike to work on their derby skills and gain confidence in themselves at our practices, which happen in our own dedicated space on Water Street in historic North Bennington, Vermont.

Southshire Roller Derby is looking to raise awareness of the sport in the area and build up our league. We hope to attract new skaters both for our adults and youth programs, as well as volunteers and officials to aid in bout production. We are reaching out to the community to help us achieve these goals.

By giving to this fundraiser, YOU will help make our fourth season possible by assisting in the renting of bout (game) space and aiding in our outreach efforts.

For the last three years, the Battle Cats’ and Brats’ home bouts have attracted over a thousand new spectators, vendors, and other players to the area. We would like to build on that by continuing to have home bouts, both at The Spartan Arena in Rutland and at Riley Rink in Manchester.

No matter the size of your donation, your support makes a huge difference for Southshire Roller Derby.

Some quotes from skaters:

“I had never been athletic, but after graduating from college I felt like I needed to do something. Joining Southshire has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve gained so much from being surrounded by a community of supportive people, and from all of the progress I’ve made since I first put on skates.” – BB-SK8

“Southshire provides a safe space for women to get exercise and not feel like they’re being judged by anyone else. We are accepting of all bodies and all skill levels.” – Jagged Little Jill

“I started with Southshire to get in shape but what I found was a supportive community and good friends. When I was diagnosed with cancer, women I barely knew but skated with for a few months reached out to help with my children, visited me in the hospital and just let me know that I was part of a community even if I could not physically be present. The people I have met through Southshire Roller Derby are absolutely amazing.” – Anya Bum Bum